The Philippine Journal of Pathology (PJP) recognizes that, under limited and justified circumstances, authors may request the withdrawal of a manuscript from the editorial process. This policy outlines the conditions, procedures, and implications of manuscript withdrawal to ensure transparency, fairness, and the integrity of the publication process.
Authors may request withdrawal of a manuscript at any time before the commencement of peer review by submitting a written request to the editorial office. The request must include a clear justification for withdrawal and must be made by the corresponding author on behalf of all co-authors. Once acknowledged by the editorial office, the manuscript will be considered withdrawn and will not proceed further in the editorial process.
Requests for withdrawal after peer review has commenced, or while revisions are underway, will be considered only under exceptional circumstances. Authors must provide a detailed written explanation for the request, and confirmation that all co-authors agree to the withdrawal. The Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to approve or deny such requests, taking into account the stage of review and the editorial and reviewer resources already expended.
Withdrawal of a manuscript after formal acceptance is strongly discouraged and will be permitted only in rare and compelling circumstances. Requests must be accompanied by a full explanation and written consent from all authors. PJP reserves the right to impose appropriate administrative actions in such cases, including restrictions on future submissions, to safeguard the integrity of the editorial process.
Once an article has been published, withdrawal is no longer possible. Concerns raised after publication will be addressed through established mechanisms for corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions, in accordance with PJP’s editorial policies.
Manuscripts found to have been submitted simultaneously to another journal, or withdrawn in order to circumvent unfavorable editorial decisions, may be subject to further editorial action. Such practices may be considered unethical and may result in notification of the authors’ institutions or other appropriate measures.
All approved withdrawals will be formally acknowledged in writing by the editorial office. Until such confirmation is received, the manuscript will be considered under active consideration by PJP and must not be submitted elsewhere.
PJP participated in the recently concluded APAME 2026 Convention 20-21 August 2026 at the UP Manila. Dr. Tandoc delivered a lecture on localizing international guidance on AI use in medical publishing and was inducted as Vice President of the Philippine Association of Medical Journal Editors (PAMJE).
Educational mini-series for authors, reviewers, pathology residents, and researchers dedicated to improving scientific writing in pathology and laboratory medicine.
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